Drug duo are sentenced

A FORMER couple who supplied drugs to a man who died of an overdose have escaped a custodial sentence.

Arno Redlihs, 19, of 37 Kelvin Street, Falkirk, and Carrie Robertson, 23, of 3 MacDougal Court, Dunollie, were accused of supplying class-A drug MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, on November 1, 2015, to Thomas McKay and Kevin Armour. Armour later died of a drugs overdose.

Robertson pleaded guilty, while Redlihs denied the charge but was found guilty by Sheriff John Herald.

Defending Robertson, Laura McManus told Oban Sheriff Court on Tuesday January 31: ‘This episode had a tragic consequence. Ms Robertson discovered she was pregnant and broke up with the accused. It was a catalyst for real change for Ms Robertson.

‘There has been no further offences and no further drug use. A custodial sentence can be avoided.’

Defence agent Kevin McGinness said: ‘Mr Redlihs regards his involvement in this matter with regret. He has started employment as a chef. He is assessed as a low risk of re-offending and being a harm to others.’

Sentencing, Sheriff John Herald said: ‘I am well aware of the consequences and action on that day. That takes us beyond the normal case.

‘I can only extend my sympathy to the family of the man who lost his life.

He told Redlihs: ‘Your involvement was that you had carried the drug to Ms Robertson, who then carried it to the third party. You will be fined a sum of £1,000. There will be no discount.’

Turning to Robertson, he added: ‘I find your position very difficult. This is a very serious matter, which truly justifies a custodial sentence. With hesitation, because you appear to have sorted your life out and you have a young baby, I will not impose a custodial sentence.’

Sheriff Herald imposed the maximum community payback order of 300 hours’ unpaid work on Robertson, to be completed within 18 months.